{"id":13891,"date":"2026-07-20T22:07:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T22:07:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/?p=13891"},"modified":"2026-10-08T22:11:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T22:11:02","slug":"lebanese-rice-pudding-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/lebanese-rice-pudding-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Lebanese Rice Pudding"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A bowl of creamy rice pudding is one of the most wonderfully comforting desserts in the world. Every culture has its own version of this classic treat, including Lebanon and other countries across the Levant. If you\u2019re looking for a dessert that is velvety, rich, and subtly infused with floral notes, Lebanese rice pudding, also known as Riz Bi Haleeb, is an excellent choice.<\/p>\n

Give this easy Middle Eastern dessert recipe a try, and it\u2019s sure to be a beautiful addition to your next dinner party or family gathering.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Why You Will Love This Riz Bi Haleeb Recipe<\/h2>\n
Despite its simple list of everyday ingredients, making an authentic Riz Bi Haleeb recipe<\/strong> requires the right ratios to retain its signature richness, creaminess, and perfect custard-like consistency. If you\u2019ve been searching for the best rice pudding recipe<\/strong> that tastes just like the traditional versions served in the Middle East, look no further.<\/div>\n
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Let\u2019s dive into the essential ingredients you need to stay true to the classic flavor profile.<\/p>\n

Key Ingredients for the Creamiest Rice Pudding<\/h2>\n

Short-Grain Rice:<\/strong> Short-grain white rice is highly recommended for rice pudding because it releases just the right amount of starch to naturally thicken the milk and create a creamy consistency.<\/p>\n

Whole Milk:<\/strong> Always opt for full-fat whole milk. Avoid skim or low-fat milk, as it can result in a thinner, less flavorful pudding.<\/p>\n

Heavy Cream:<\/strong> Heavy cream is essential for achieving the rich, velvety consistency of old-fashioned homemade rice pudding. Traditionally, our ancestors relied on raw, unpasteurized milk straight from the cow, which naturally had a much higher fat content. Adding heavy cream today helps recreate that traditional, luxurious mouthfeel using store-bought milk.<\/p>\n

Granulated Sugar:<\/strong> Stick with standard white granulated sugar to keep the flavor clean, simple, and authentic.<\/p>\n

Cornstarch:<\/strong> Cornstarch acts as the primary thickening agent, helping the Riz Bi Haleeb set into a smooth, custard-like texture.<\/p>\n

Crushed Pistachios:<\/strong> Raw or toasted crushed pistachios make a beautiful, vibrant green garnish just before serving. You can easily omit them to keep the recipe completely nut-free.<\/p>\n

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\"rice<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive into the essential ingredients you need to stay true to the classic flavor profile.<\/p>\n

Key Ingredients for the Creamiest Rice Pudding<\/h2>\n

Short-Grain Rice:<\/strong> Short-grain white rice is highly recommended for rice pudding because it releases just the right amount of starch to naturally thicken the milk and create a creamy consistency.<\/p>\n

Whole Milk:<\/strong> Always opt for full-fat whole milk. Avoid skim or low-fat milk, as they can result in a thinner, less flavorful pudding.<\/p>\n

Heavy Cream:<\/strong> Heavy cream is essential for achieving the rich, velvety consistency of old-fashioned homemade rice pudding. Traditionally, our ancestors used raw, unpasteurized milk straight from the cow, which naturally had a much higher fat content. Adding heavy cream today helps recreate that traditional, luxurious mouthfeel using store-bought milk.<\/p>\n

Granulated Sugar:<\/strong> Stick with standard white granulated sugar to keep the flavor clean, simple, and authentic.<\/p>\n

Cornstarch:<\/strong> Cornstarch acts as the primary thickening agent, helping the Riz Bi Haleeb set into a smooth, custard-like texture.<\/p>\n

Crushed Pistachios:<\/strong> Raw or toasted crushed pistachios make a beautiful, vibrant green garnish just before serving. You can easily omit them to keep the recipe completely nut-free.<\/p>\n

\"rice<\/p>\n

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Tips for the Perfect Rice Pudding Consistency<\/h2>\n

Consistency is everything when making Riz Bi Haleeb! The perfect Lebanese rice pudding should be thick enough to hold its shape beautifully on a spoon, yet soft enough to literally melt in your mouth.<\/p>\n

The Spoon Test<\/h3>\n

To check whether your pudding has reached the perfect thickness, try the classic back-of-the-spoon test:<\/p>\n